Already now the question about the flu vaccine is among the most asked to the general practitioner. The campaign kicks off on October 6 and is expected to be in far greater demand than last season. Doses of the flu shot won’t be enough for everyone! Here’s how to get them first.
What the Ministry of Health recommends
The Ministry of Health recommends to get the flu vaccination to avoid cases of coexistence of the flu virus and that of COVID-19. This recommendation is aimed primarily at people at risk. The aim is to simplify the diagnosis, given the similarity of the symptoms of both viruses. Furthermore, with this move, the complication in fragile subjects is reduced and the overcrowding of emergency services is avoided.
Doses of the flu shot won’t be enough for everyone!
- But are there enough vaccines for everyone?
Currently, the Regions have purchased 17 million vaccines, another 3 million are destined for pharmacies, for a total of 20 million.
They are too few to satisfy the request of the Italians!
The start of the vaccination campaign is scheduled for the month of October and some Regions announce that the delivery will begin on 6 October.
According to Claudio Cricelli, president of the Italian Society of Primary Medicine, reservations are already open for the first two weeks.
- What will happen if the vaccines run out
The risk that stocks will not be sufficient is great. But according to Minister Speranza, we need not worry, as stocks will be replenished as they run out.
Even trusting that statement, you better hurry up and make an appointment!
- Where to go for the vaccine
The provisions on where you can go to get the vaccine vary by region.
It can be done both at the pediatricians of free choice, at the office of the family doctor who adheres to the campaign, as well as in vaccination centers.
- Who should do it and how much does it cost?
The vaccine is recommended and free for children aged 6 months to 6 years and adults over 60.
It is always free even for some categories, such as pregnant women, chronically ill and health workers.
If you do not have a specific contraindication, it is advisable to do it for all the others, spending between 14 and 25 euros for the purchase of the drug.
Given the limited availability of the vaccine against the great demand, it is better to hurry up to make the appointment immediately!
